Rigol DSA815 is it worth to buy

[PsychoBoy]

Hello, I got presumably simple question, is it worth to buy Rigol DSA815 WITHOUT tracking generator for round about 750 USD? Or is TG actually an essential option and every spectrum analyzer should have one?

[bson]

You need the tracking generator to characterize devices and their response.  You don't need it to look at signals.

[xrunner]

Hello, I got presumably simple question, is it worth to buy Rigol DSA815 WITHOUT tracking generator for round about 750 USD? Or is TG actually an essential option and every spectrum analyzer should have one?

Personally (I own a DSA815-TG) I wouldn't even consider buying one without the TG. Yea you may not need it now, but come the day you do, you'll regret it. 

[jjoonathan]

There are 815-TGs on ebay for fully 20% off the list price, and you could probably negotiate further because they haven't moved in weeks. If you can afford the few hundred extra I would strongly recommend going for the TG. Otherwise you'll probably wind up swapping it out not too far down the line, and you won't come out ahead.

[nctnico]

OTOH you can do the same with an external RF generator if this is able to do a stepped sweep (most digital controlled ones can do this). Using an RF generator will be slower but an RF generator can be useful for other purposes as well.

[coppice]

Most people never use the tracking feature in their spectrum analysers. Some rely on the feature most of the time. Which category are you in? If, say, you need the machine exclusively to monitor emissions you'll never need the generator. If you are trying to characterise RF bits and pieces you will probably find it a real boon.

[HighVoltage]

I have one older HP Spectrum Analyzer without TG and found the need for a TG, so I bought the DSA815 with TG and really like it. Actually I like it so much, I would never consider a SA again, without a TG.

[DG5SAY]

Have a look at the SIGLENT SSA3021X (ad the TG of course).